
In 2011, The Ohio State University demonstrated its deep commitment to the health and well-being of its students, faculty and staff by becoming the first university in the United States to appoint a Chief Wellness Officer. I am honored to be in this role and to have an outstanding campus-wide team that works diligently to ensure that healthy choices are easy for everyone to make.
We care passionately about optimizing the well-being of our Buckeye family and want everyone to lead long, healthy, productive and joyful lives. If you’re a student, this is a fantastic time to start learning and practicing healthy behaviors that will have lifelong benefits. If you’re faculty or staff, you can continue to grow on your personal journey toward optimal health and well-being with the many resources and programs that Ohio State has to offer.
You have the power to shape your own well-being. Sometimes, the simplest behavior change is all you need to dramatically change your life and your health outcomes for the better.
It takes 30 to 60 days to make or break a new habit, so set the goal to make one healthy lifestyle change today. Write that goal down, and place it where you can see it every day to help ensure success. Then, access the many wellness resources and programs that we have here at Ohio State to help you achieve your goal.
At Ohio State, we champion everyone to engage in healthy behaviors to enrich their lives. Best wishes to you on your personal journey toward optimal health and well-being!
Warm and well regards,

Bernadette Melnyk
PhD, RN, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN
Vice President for Health Promotion
Chief Wellness Officer
Initiatives and Programs
Buckeye Wellness
Staying active, both mentally and physically, is key to building a culture of wellness for all faculty, staff and students. Find plans and activities that are right for you.
Health Athlete
The Health Athlete program emphasizes energy management through a comprehensive examination of goals and values in relation to spiritual purpose, mental, emotional and physical development.
Million Hearts Initiative
Million Hearts® 2022 is a national initiative to focus on implementing a small set of evidence-based priorities and targets that can improve cardiovascular health for all.
MINDSTRONG
This is an evidence-based cognitive behavioral skills-building program with a goal of building resiliency and coping skills to improve overall adult well-being.
2023 Annual State of Health and Wellness
Learn about updated wellness efforts here at The Ohio State University
Resources
Wellness Strategic Plan
The universities plan for optimizing the highest levels of wellness for faculty, staff and students across the university and global community
Buckeye Wellness Tips
Discover evidence-based wellness tips brought to you by the chief wellness officer.
Faculty and Staff Resources
Our programs and services provide you with the flexibility to choose your own path to optimal well-being – at work and at home.
Check and Improve Your Stress and Well-Being for Faculty and Staff
Research indicates that the ongoing stress is negatively impacting our mental and emotional health. Take a proactive approach to stress management.
COVID-19 Resources
Use these resources to help ease anxiety during this difficult time.
Health and Wellness Articles from Ohio State Alumni Magazine
Take a deeper dive into different aspects of health and wellness with the university chief wellness officer.